The Government of Canada yesterday announced that the Pickering Lands will not be used for a future airport.
Consultations are to begin on potential for transfer of the lands from Transport Canada to Parks Canada. Federal intention is to transfer the administration of lands to be included in Rouge National Urban Park.
In the coming weeks, the government intends to launch a formal consultation process with existing tenants, indigenous communities, and the public to discuss future uses of the lands.
$21 million for Visitor Centre
The Government of Canada also announced a $21 million investment to construct a new Rouge National Urban Park visitor, learning and community centre to strengthen visitor experiences.
The Pickering Lands consist of 75 km² (18,600 acres) of land in Pickering, Markham, and Uxbridge, acquired by the federal government in 1972 for a proposed airport. In 1975, the plan was put on hold in favor of expanding existing airports. Since then, the government has leased properties on the Pickering Lands to residential, farm, and commercial tenants.
Transport Canada previously transferred about 19.1 km² (4,700 acres) of the Pickering Lands to Parks Canada in 2015 for the creation of the Rouge National Urban Park. In 2017, an additional 21 km² (5,200 acres) was transferred to further expand the park. Transport Canada had retained about 35 km² (8,700 acres) for potential airport development.
Public Impact
“Our government has determined that a new airport is not the best use of the federal Pickering Lands. We will soon begin public consultations to determine future uses, taking into account the region’s greatest needs,” said Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita Anand.
“Following our government’s engagement with community members, we’re thrilled to announce that an airport will not be built on the Pickering Lands,” said Jennifer O’Connell, Member of Parliament for Pickering—Uxbridge.
“Today’s announcement is a testament that everyday citizens and advocates can drive big changes. By working to transfer the former Pickering Airport Lands to Parks Canada, we embark on a new chapter,” said the Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
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we need another airport out this way, not Toronto. also I hope Ford doesn’t plan on enriching his friends and have housing in those lands. People of Ontario do NOT NEED another PARK, they need you to put on your vision cap and maybe build a few Tiny Homes parks that would be affordable and maybe hire more Doctors & Nurses. Why did Ford NEED to call an election, is he facing problems, he is as bad as trudeau